Why England's Rising Star Represents England's Top Choice Fly-Half

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.